Paul Puopolo

Executive VP of Innovation Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Why Paul?

Paul Puopolo serves as Executive Vice President of Innovation at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. He leads DFW’s Innovation function to identify, assess, and drive the collaborative development of new solutions and business models to create new growth and competitive advantage. Mr. Puopolo joined the DFW Airport team in August 2018.

Mr. Puopolo is an experienced “intrapreneur” with multi-industry innovation, emerging technology, and direct to consumer background. Throughout his career he has built and led corporate innovation teams within large, complex organizations. Prior to joining DFW Airport, he served as Vice President of Innovation at MetLife Inc., Vice President of Business Innovation & Development at Highmark, Inc., and Director of Consumer Innovation at Humana Inc. In these roles, he was accountable for developing business innovation strategies and portfolios and their strategic implementation to increase profitable growth, improve the consumer experience, and champion an innovative culture.

Mr. Puopolo served as an active duty officer and as a pilot in the United States Navy, and retired from the Navy after 22 years of service. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Comprehensive Science from Villanova University and a Master’s degree in National Security Affairs from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

DAY 2 Thursday | July 18

12:00 PM Interactive Discussion A: "Navigating Innovation at DFW Airport: Balancing Risk, Technology, and Culture"

Join Paul Puopolo, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Enterprise Analytics at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, for an in-depth workshop on driving innovation in a high-stakes environment. Learn how DFW Airport balances risk and innovation through an evolutionary approach, achieving immediate wins while addressing long-term challenges. Discover the critical role of worker mindset and open discussions in fostering a culture of innovation, and explore high-tech solutions like robotic cleaners, digital twins, and self-service bag drops. Engage with strategies for digital transformation and institutional change, ensuring your organization stays ahead of rapidly evolving consumer expectations.

4:45 PM PANEL Q+A: "Amplifying Customer Voices: Leveraging Digital Transformation for Innovation"

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it's about reimagining the way we engage with our customers. This session delves into the intersection of digital transformation, innovation, and the voice of the customer (VoC). We'll explore how organizations can harness the power of emerging technologies to better understand, anticipate, and meet customer needs. From AI-driven analytics to real-time feedback mechanisms, we'll uncover practical strategies for leveraging digital tools to amplify the voice of the customer and drive meaningful innovation across the customer experience journey. Join us as we explore case studies, best practices, and actionable insights to empower your organization in the age of customer-centric digital transformation.

DAY 3 Friday | July 19

9:30 AM Interactive Workshop: Passing the Torch: Career Advice and Mentoring for the Next Generation of CX Leaders

There’s a whole new generation of innovators who are ready and willing to step up in their place. During this workshop, attendees will hear from veteran advisory members and CXOs who are eager to share their best career advice, lessons learned, and expectations and predictions for the future of customer experience.

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Paul.

Download The Latest Agenda